Collingwood coach Craig McRae has apologised for a sideline incident during Sunday's loss to GWS, admitting his wife told him off for his behaviour. McRae was given an official warning by the AFL after sarcastically saying 'well done' to Giants tagger Toby Bedford following a free kick.
GWS coach Adam Kingsley confronted McRae immediately after the exchange. The AFL investigated but decided against further action. McRae expressed regret on Wednesday, saying he needed to be a better role model.
'I'm cheeky. I've got a great relationship with Kingers, so I have a bit of banter with Kingers,' McRae said. 'But then I realised really quickly (it was wrong), particularly when my wife tells me the next day: "You can't do that Craig".'
McRae acknowledged his responsibility as a coach, noting his daughter plays for Williamstown Under 10s. 'If her coach was doing that to the other Under 10s, I would be going: "C'mon mate, what are you doing?"' he said.
The incident comes after the AFL cracked down on coach-player confrontations, with Port Adelaide's Ken Hinkley fined $20,000 last year. Collingwood face Port Adelaide on Saturday night, with Josh Daicos and Jeremy Howe in doubt, while Mason Cox has been cleared to play.
